South Shields boss says defeat 'tough to stomach' after Mariners lose at Ashton United

The Mariners lost out to Michael Raynes’ late header after Jamie Sterry had cancelled-out Sam Baird’s opener in a game that was delayed due to an accident on the M62.

And having dominated large spells of the match, Fenton says the defeat was a difficult one to take – but was disappointed that his side didn’t turn their promising moments into the final third into real opportunities.

“It's a tough one to stomach, said Fenton, speaking to Mariners TV.

"We're generally pretty pleased with the performance. We shifted it around, we created some really good situations - but we just looked rusty in front of goal - whether it was a lack of quality on the cross or time of the movement.

"It should have been comfortable, but when you don't turn those really good situations into clear goal-scoring opportunities and you defend set-pieces like that then you've got no chance.”

And the South Shields boss wouldn’t blame the rustiness in front of goal on the four-week hiatus all Northern Premier League sides had to endure.

“It can't play a part, because they're in exactly the same situation,” he said.

"Like I say, we're delighted with the application and some of the football that we played on a pitch that was difficult, heavy and cut-up - particularly towards the end. But games are won and lost in both boxes and we weren't good enough in the boxes.”